Six Kingdoms: Rebirth - Gameplay

[Tarn]

IC: Nale Vella - Metru-Koro

"Dead? Peace? You don't just off a leader and expect no ramifications," she replied, still not fully accepting the reality of what Oreius had said. This could very well have been the conclusion of the war--or the beginning of a reprisal from those still loyal to Pridak. Nale rubbed her temple. "Maybe I should have gone back to sleep..."

@Eyru@Nato the Traveler@Toru Nui

[Eyru]

IC: Oreius | Metru-Koro

Oreius ignored the other two. He didn't understand why they were allowed to walk around freely, but those questions could wait. He spoke only to Nale.

"Sans is dead?" he asked. He would miss the old man. Although they had barely met, the Turaga struck him as an uncompromising man much like himself. He had refused to make peace with Pridak, and that was admirable—a weaker leader might have given in. It was a sad day for the Matoran if he was really gone. "Then who leads Metru-Koro now?"

 

OOC: @Tarn @Toru Nui @Nato the Traveler

[Tarn]

IC: Nale Vella - Metru-Koro

"I...don't know," Nale answered. "Things have been happening so quick, we've had no time to work anything out. I think, at the moment, we're all just existing."

@Eyru@Nato the Traveler@Toru Nui

Edited November 17, 2020 by Tarn

[Nato G]

IC: Zaliyah - Metru-Koro

"It seems we're both leaderless," Zaliyah sighed. She felt... defeated. She'd always known death or defeat were possibilities during this war, but it hadn't come in the way she'd expected. She'd thought the death of Sans and the tentative ceasefire of those still in the village would mark the beginning of peaceful negotiations. It had left her in a position of power, power to dictate terms, power to prove Pridak wrong.

But now both of the leaders whose belligerence had kept the conflict going were gone. The war, it seemed, was over, and nothing had come of it. Nothing had been accomplished, nothing had changed. A Toa still ruled Metru Nui, the old status quo was restored, and the fate of the other races was once again uncertain.  

"So what now?" She finally asked, "Are Ostrox and I to be subjected to the same justice you gave Pridak, or are we free to return home?"

@Eyru @Tarn

[Void Emissary]

IC: Parnassus | Fort Nektann

The door closed to them, Parnassus turned to face Korruhn and Drukarus. Beyond even them, the Aspect could spy the limber form of Corrivalis lurking in the darkness, but Parnassus did not focus on him -- perhaps they still rankled from the Mimic's rejection of their offers the night previous, or perhaps they found this ivory nightmare and alien warskak to be more engrossing. Barius might have been the only one capable of peering far enough into Parnassus' mind to know for certain.

"Hm," the Aspect said, looking from one to the next in turn. They had allowed the shades that surrounded them a little more freedom, and many had slithered off to the torches and lightstones they had once called home, or vanished like smoke. "What is it that the locals say? Left in the lurch?"

OOC: @Sparticus147 @Crimson Jester @Unreliable Narrator @Nato the Traveler

-Void

Edited November 17, 2020 by Conway
Removed Grime.

[Onaku]

IC: Iradra - Metru-Koro

Earlier

Iradra turned to look at the Turaga, nodding. "Of course, I'll..." She started, looking back at Zaliyah and Ostrox, taking her sword off her back and planting it in the ground. "I'll be back for this."

Afterwards, Iradra had escorted Klawne to her humble abode, a relatively small hut for a Toa, though perhaps more comfortable for a Turaga. There was a bed, a couple of chairs around a table, a set of shelves with some boxes on it, and finally a mat in the center oc the space. "Stay as long as you like. I must return to my post now."

Pulling up her sword again and placing it on her back upon returning to the wreckage, Iradra resumed her watch, though after a while she decided to start exploring her powers a bit more. Lifting her hand up, she once more conjured the hardlight shape, and began shifting it.

 

Morning

As Zaliyah, Ostrox, and a Toa she recalled from the airship all gathered around the newcomer, Iradra at first kept her eye on them from a distance, before finally deciding to see what was going on up close. A bronze-clad grey-robed Toa walked up to the group, a slight shimmer to the bronze plating she wore as she regarded the newcomer Toa from behind her expressionless bronze facade whilst listening to the conversation unfolding.

@Nato the Traveler@Toru Nui@Eyru@Tarn

[Tarn]

IC: Nale Vella - Metru-Koro

"No," Nale said, shaking her head. "It's not going to be like that. Look," she continued, turning to Zaliyah, "you two did things you need to answer for. And with Metru Nui under new management, I think returning with the news you bombed a village won't be met with as much enthusiasm at it was before you left. We can bring you back, under our escort, but we'll have to see what the new guy has to say about you."

She looked over at Oreius. "What do you think?"

@Eyru@Nato the Traveler@Toru Nui

[Harvali]

OOC: lost this whole post, cranky now

IC Kanohi and Bode and “Collector” - Po-Koro

Bode focused his thoughts, “I do not know where they are going exactly, I think some of them mentioned teleporting there.I will try to learn more. But, the vision, maybe it is a metaphor? Like the islands aren’t literally teeth, but from the islands something powerful will arise? Maybe you? Or your breed?”

Kanohi did not notice, instead answering Arkius, “I think we don’t need to worry about that now, this Toa can teleport us there. And maybe, maybe that’s for the better. If we had to walk, we might leave tracks, and the Skakdi might find us if they came back to raid.”

The Fe-Matoran shivered, so much death, so much horror. They still didn’t know how many had died from the flood. And after everything. He swallowed, he did not have the luxury to mourn yet. He focused and said, “One of the first sent to heather Ruins should be a warrior who can protect the Matoran we send there. Would any of you Toa—”

Kanohi stopped short, and his heartlight froze. In the chaos of the storm, he had forgotten. Matoran had sent the Vahki to slaughter Kilo’s people. Murder them all, because they were supposed to be obsolete. And … and from what the leader of the Vahki had said, the League believed the Matoran had done that again and again to other breeds. Sending pawns, maybe … maybe even Toa.

Even in Okoto the Turaga taught that the Matoran were the chosen of Mata-Nui. That uncaring god. But if the Matoran were chosen, then that implied other breeds were Unchosen. He, he had assumed that was an oversight, since Okoto did not know of other breeds. But now…

He swallowed, he-he had to continue, “My apologies, I am a fool and slow to learn. Would any of you heroes be willing to go first to protect the first groups of Matoran we send? If I had to suggest, Arkius could make quick shelters for the Matoran, but if you are winded from draining the village rest first. Kilo, you seem to, well you seem to have better senses than me at least. Do you think you could spot if a danger approached the ruins?”

Meanwhile Collector lumbered in the underground tunnels. Clinging to his back was a Matoran of Light, her hands aglow. In their left hand they cradled a Matoran of Stone, who was still coughing from almost drowning. As the Matoran on these back lit the tunnel Collector punched through a wall of ice and shattered it, before quickly drawing their Kanoka Blade as water slammed into them. With a quick slash they froze the flood, encasing a chunk of their body in ice as well as a portion of the tunnel ahead.

The Vortixx sheathed their blade and punched through the ice, freeing first their torso then their legs. They began to move forward, kicking and punching to tear down the ice.

Behind them the tunnel was full of shattered ice, and five drown Matoran. They had been too slow to come down, most of them had been beaten by the flood. The flood threatened even the Vortixx too, freezing and breaking the ice was the only way they could move through the torrent of water. Po-Koro was not the only place ripped apart by the rain, water had rushed into the tunnels from all over the wasteland.

Collector paused to pant. Their shivering legs were almost blue, their fist was numb from punching the cold ice. They were no Toa of Ice. But they had to keep going. For the Matoran.

The Matoran of Light tapped on their shoulder, before illuminating a chunk of ice where a Matoran lay frozen, clutching something. Quickly Collector kicked and tore towards them, before using their Kanoka Blade to hack at the ice, digging through.

Finally this frozen Matoran gasped as he tumbled out of the ice, panting. “Sorry,” Collector winced, they should have known freezing the tunnels might endanger Matoran. Conniving monster, they should have thought of the needs of others more. 

 Still they reached over with their left arm and adjusted to hold two Matoran in their left arm. As they did they spotted what the Matoran was holding, Jovan’s Noble mask. Collector nodded, that was good at least, before sheathing their blade and continuing to dig. Who cared about masks of power, when Matoran needed help?

OOC: @~Xemnas~ @The UltimoScorp @pokemonlover360 @Toru Nui @Onaku @Snelly @Tarn 

[Onaku]

IC: Zadred - Ruins of Stone

Keeping the metal case Atamai had entrusted to her under one arm, Zadred milled about, looking at the terrain surrounding the Ruins and wondering how well it could sustain flora in the long term, utilising her farsight to see if she could spot any hardy flora surving in the barren environment.

[Sparticus147]

IC: Drukarus (Fort Nektann, Outside of Barius' Chambers)

Guarding the door and looking outwards, a part of Drukarus was unsatisfied with the position in which he was in. He had things to say to not only Stannis, but also to Barius, the idea of two seemingly opposite entities by themselves did not spell out anything good in Drukarus' mind. But seeing as how Barius seemed to at least be accommodating of the ancient Toa, Drukarus hoped that Barius was wise enough not to engage with them.

As for the two shadowy individuals, both of them seemed to dumb down on their contest of pride, but the one known as Korruhn seemed to be worried with their pacing, as he should be when in the belly of a beast. But such obvious signs could be considered an easy invitation for challenge from Skakdi of a more foolish predication. 

"Hm, what is it that the locals say? Left in the lurch?" Said Parnassus, whom Drukarus simply offered a raised eyebrow in return before looking towards Korruhn to see their reaction. Odd that Parnassus would ask such a question, when theoretically speaking neither of them would be considered local.

OOC: @Conway @Crimson Jester

Edited November 17, 2020 by Sparticus147

[Onaku]

IC: Ardoku

It didn't take long for Atka and I to emerge out of the darkness into the desert sands surrounding the mesa cliffs. The night sky shone its starlight down upon the two of us, and for a moment I wondered if this stranger was going to say something, only for her to silently keep moving forward, off into the windswept dunes ahead. Something in the back of my head warned of the dangers of walking in the desert at night, but with no memory to back it up, I elected to follow the stranger. I knew that should she mean me harm, I at the very least seemed competent with my blade, even if I couldn't remember why.

Soon however I recalled vividly an earlier association I'd formed between the dark and the cold, an association I now felt physically as a shiver shot through me, and I felt cold for the first time in my memory. It was an unpleasant feeling, but as I looked ahead to tell Atka, I saw to my surprise that she'd covered a far greater distance than her pace could possibly account for.

-"HEY! WAIT, ATKA, WAIT FO-" I got no further in yelling than this, having taken off running to catch up with her before tumbling and rolling down a tall sand dune, cold sand whirling up around me as I uncomfortably slid and rolled to lower ground. Lying at the bottom of the dune, I couldn't help but groan as I sat up, with Atka suddenly standing over me.

-"You don't know the shortcuts, do you?" She asked me, staring at me with an incomprehensible expression. Whereas others were hard to read, and Helkyrie almost impossible, here I didn't even know where to begin reading into her.

-"No. My only memories are since half a day ago."

-"I don't presume you would have known even if you still had all your memories. Come, give me your hand."

I complied, reaching my hand to hold hers and promptly getting pulled on my feet. Then, still holding my hand, she looked ahead where we'd been going, and began walking at a leisurely pace with me in tow.

-"Look at my feet. Step where I step. Don't look around. NEVER look back. Understood?"

-"Yes."

I didn't really understand. But I could follow directions well enough, so I did what she told me to do. Step by step, I trod in Atka's footprints as best I could, keeping my face forward but my eyes on her feet as she led me ever onward. Slowly but surely it became a rhythm, an easy routine to continue, and despite the chill ever creeping into my body I kept going, my face forward, and my eyes following her every step.

-"We're here."

-"Huh? Wh-?" I looked up, perplexed. We'd barely walked at all. Surely we couldn't be any further tha-

Looking behind me, I expected to see the familiar mesa cliffs only slightly further away. Yet as I stared in the direction we'd come from, I could no longer even see them. Looking around, I realised that my surroundings were completely different too. Gone were the vast sand dunes that had dominated all of my sight, replaced by dried dirt and solid stone as far as I could see in the shadow of the night. Turning back to Atka, I saw her crouching at the edge of an overhang.

-"Where are w-" I was immediately interrupted by Atka pulling me down to my knees and putting a hand over my mouth, before pointing in the direction she'd been looking. Following her gesture, my eyes came to rest on dots of light in the distance, which upon further inspection I realised were structures. Unlike the houses I'd seen in the mesa village, these stood in the open, rising out of the ground on their own. The fact that this didn't surprise me was in of itself surprising to me.

-"Small village," Atka explained in a hushed voice, "cropped up here a few cycles ago. They call it Po-Koro."

-"Who are 'they'?" I asked in a similarly hushed tone, wondering why the name somehow felt correct to me.

-"Your people, from what I understand. They are called the Matoran."

My people? I contemplated what that meant. "I thought I was something called a Toa."

-"You are. It's a bit complicated. I'll explain later. There's something else that needs to be done now." With that, Atka stood up away from the cliff edge and beckoned me to follow her before walking off. Standing up, I saw that she was headed for a small opening in a low hanging cliff. I recalled the word cave quite quickly, and began walking after her.

Sitting down inside, Atka retrieved two small implements, striking them together over a pile of debris that soon caught fire, the warmth gradually flowing into me and expelling the cold I'd suffered in the frigid desert outside.

-"So… what are we doing here?"

Atka gestured next to herself. "Sit with me, Toa Ardoku."

I nodded, and as I sat down, the stranger placed her hands on either side of my head, before closing her eyes.

-"So… what happens n-"

-"Shh! No talk. Sit still."

I furrowed my brows, and I could feel my face twisting into that of displeasure. Frustrated by her evasiveness, I slapped both her hands away from my head to her visible surprise and stood up away from her, glaring at her as I paced around the fire.

-"When we met, you said we had things to discuss, yet here you are evading every question I've asked you. I don't know you, and I don't know what you know about me, and aside from that village down there, you haven't told me anything! Who are you, what are we doing here," I jabbed a finger in Atka's direction for emphasis, "and why should I trust you?!"

It seemed Atka was taken aback by my words. Remaining silent for a moment, perhaps to contemplate what I had said, she then looked back into my eyes and spoke. “Very well. I will answer your questions. Several days ago, I arrived in this dimension following the call of a colleague of mine, Matrak. The two of us are part of a group of travelers looking for a new home for our people, the Eakai. So far we have been unsuccessful, but a week ago Matrak sent out a call, a call that permeated through the void and caught my attention. However, when I arrived in this dimension, I could not find him. I have been searching ever since, and for some reason, his metaphysical scent led me to you. If I can focus on your path, I might be able to find out more about what happened to him.”

A lot to take in. Matrak. Eakai. Dimensional travel. The void. All of these were strange concepts I couldn’t immediately wrap my head around, but in the end I sighed and sat down again. “Alright… I’ll help you. You saved my life so I guess I owe you that much.”

Atka nodded, sitting down behind me and bringing her hands to my temples. “Close your eyes, and let your mind wander back.” 

-“But I don’t remember anythi-”

-”You don’t have to remember. You just have to wander.”

And so I did, I let my mind wander. Wander back. Wander into the past. Back to the skakdi village. Back to the scorching desert, the dry throat, the blue sky above…

Three red eyes stared into my soul and I could feel my arm coming apart at the seams with excruciating pain. I wanted to scream but no sound came out. My mind wandered away, away from the pain, away from the red eyes, back forward. A pair of green eyes stared into my soul. I could feel my arm straining, and then both of my arms, and then my back. Something heavy. Something weighing me down. I was trying to lift something. “It’s no use.” I could hear. “He’s gone.”

-“I’m Matrak.” The voice said, but that was much later. I could tell because I wasn’t tired from lifting that weight from before like I should be, and because we were somewhere else. “I’m-”

I fell forward, further forward I wandered, and suddenly I could see something looming over me, though I couldn’t make out what it was. Circular? Triangular? Spherical? A large structure, hand-made or natural? I wasn’t sure, I wasn’t sure where I was, but the desert… no, the swamp? It stretched out in front of me, stretched out in all directions. Swamp. A word I hadn’t remembered before now. Trees. Water. Don’t step into the puddles. “Don’t step into the puddles.” The advice echoed in my mind in my own voice and the voice of this Matrak. “You wouldn’t want to catch somethi-”

And then I was out. I was back in front of the fire, the faint scent of burning wood wafting before my senses from what was now little more than dying embers. Atka stood up from behind me and walked around to the other side of the campfire, sitting down. From what I could tell, she was deep in thought. I was about to speak up when suddenly a distant rumble from outside drew my attention to the cave exit, light shining in through meaning it was daytime. I stood up, wincing at the stiffness of my body, before making my way outside, where my gaze moved to look toward the village. I gazed around for whatever could have made that rumbling noise, before suddenly my eyes noticed something they’d overlooked moments prior, something immense on the horizon, fast approaching the village.

-“Wh-what is that??” I asked, peering into the immense thing that hung over the horizon as I heard Atka walk up next to me. “A storm, I believe… but it’s moving far too quickly. Perhaps an attack of some kind. Elementals of Air and Water working together? But-” She suddenly cut herself off, and I looked at her with concern, noting that despite her alien features I could still recognise the expression of fear on her face. “Atka, what’s wrong?”

-“That’s… impossible... “ She said with a tinge of terror to her voice. “How can one of them be here? This land is worse off than I could have imagined… but then why did-”

-“One of them? Who are they? What are you talking about?” I said, peering searchingly at her before looking back at the storm. “They… look into the storm. What do you see?” She responded, fear still clinging to her voice as she spoke. I did so, gazing into the tempest, and then all of a sudden I felt a shiver shoot down my spine. There was something in that storm. Something immense. For a moment I was frozen in fear, before I then realized the storm wasn’t getting any closer, but was instead moving off in another direction. 

-“It’s… going elsewhere?” I mused, noting the lingering tinge of dread in my voice. Slowly my attention was drawn away from the receding storm and down to the village, noticing only now the sorry state it was in, from water flooding it and buildings crumbling. I could barely make out the figures hard at work trying to save it. “Perhaps… I should help. You said these are my people, right? I should help them.”

-“Yes, you should help." She said nodding, and I nodded in response before looking back to the village. Helping people in need. The idea felt... right. "How ever, this is where our paths diverge. Thank you for your help, Toa Ardoku... and good luck.” I furrowed my brow, turning around in confusion to ask why she couldn’t help too, but before I could utter a single word I realised she was gone.

Approaching the village by foot, I soon noticed someone lying face down in the drying mud, half-buried, and by the looks of it, struggling in vain to get out. They were small, about half my size were I to have guessed, and on instinct I knelt down to pull them out. They wore a mask, much like I did, but it looked different. The small person coughed and gasped, before looking at me with purple eyes, a glimmer of something I recognised to be hope in their gaze. "Toa! You... saved me! Thank you!" They managed between their desperate breaths. I nodded in response. "Y-yeah, you're... welcome."

This felt right.

OOC: Toa Ardoku in Po-koro

@~Xemnas~@The UltimoScorp@pokemonlover360@Toru Nui@Harvali@Snelly@Tarn

[Harvali]

OOC: setting up a tiny timeskip, hope that’s fine with everyone, 

IC Kanohi and Bode and “Collector” - Po-Koro

Kanohi grappled through Po-Koro, landing before some of the villagers. They had carts full of whatever they could scavenge, from food to scrap metal to the disks he and Sucordak had forged. The three or so Mahi left of the herd were strung to the carts, ready to make a long journey across the wasteland. Luckily that should not be necessary. 

The cross-wired Matoran approached the Matoran, and they stood aside, letting him tap their carts with his staff. As the carts mended they asked, “So, do you and our saviors know where we are headed?”

He nodded before standing back, “Head to the Vahki Transport in the center of town, a Toa of Iron is going to teleport us to a ruins he and our other rescuers had explored. He will have to do it gradually, but a few of us should go at a time. He may be able to teleport the forge there too.”

“And the Knowledge Tower?” A Ko-Matoran asked, pushing past the others towards Kanohi.

The vigilante turned Akiri swallowed and said, “I have not asked. But maybe when everyone is settled in the new village, I will see if he would be willing to help.” The Matoran of Ice fidgeted with unease, but nodded. Kanohi did not notice the uncomfortableness of the Ko-Matoran as he grappled away, too busy heading off to gather more Matoran.

As Kanohi alerted the villagers Bode sat, watching as the Matoran gathered around the heroes. There were, he sighed, maybe a 190 left? Maybe a little less? Still, it could have been much worse without the Toa. Even the Vahki helped, hauling Matoran out of the mud, keeping them above the flood. For cruel uncaring machines, they at least had saved lives.

Collector meanwhile dragged themselves out of the underground, their legs and hand plagued by frostbite. As they laid down the Matoran they rescued hurried to the others, with one latchingJovan’s mask back onto his face. Collector sighed at that, relieved but exhausted. They laid there, even as Matoran began to treat the frostbite of the Vortixx as well as the Matoran they had saved.

As their injuries were treated the Vortixx spotted a Toa approaching, escorted by a muddy Matoran. Collector dragged their body to sit up and asked “Greetings, Toa. Have … have you come from Metru-Koro? Do you bring news of the city?”

OOC: @~Xemnas~ @The UltimoScorp @pokemonlover360 @Toru Nui @Onaku @Snelly @Tarn 

[Vezok's Friend]

IC: [Vhisola]

Vhisola almost barreled into the Toa suddenly in front of her. Toa was good. Okuo? Yes, that sounded right. Explain fast.

“Nixie - she’s sick. Changed. I don’t know, I woke up and...She’s in trouble - back at her hut. Please help!”

 As the words tumbled out of her mouth, she kept pointing in the direction she’d come from.

OOC: @Onaku

IC: [Takadox]

You wanna follow this one back to...nope, nope nope.

The warlord was about to start dissociating again. This day just would not stop piling it on. He desperately wanted to go back to Metru-Nui. Pridak and his fellow Barraki and whoever else was waiting in line to get a piece of him be . At least it’d be familiar.

Stop. You try and go back now you won’t make it in one piece. You couldn’t make it one night on your own. And even if you miraculously do make it you’re heading for a quick end no matter which side of the war finds you first. But if you get a grip on what’s going on out here...you just might learn enough to get an edge. To survive long term. Maybe even figure out that weird temple place they kept you at before...

 

He took a deep breath. 

 

You’re still a king…

I was a king.

...Whatever. Use those kingly words.

 

He stood up a bit straighter and deliberately turned towards Providence, trying to downplay his frayed nerves as much as possible. When he spoke, he tried to put as much of the old authority behind his words as he could muster.

“Besides avoiding potential trouble above ground - what exactly is it you hope to achieve by going down there?”

In the moment of silence left after the question, Havohk and Zak-Yak piped up.

“I don’t like you, Tall Blue.”

Oh no...however will I recover from this?

Maybe don’t antagonize them? You’ve got no friends as it is anyway.

...fine.
 
 
“I’m sorry you feel that way.”
 
 
...that wasn’t an apology.

Shut up.

OOC: @Burnmad @Kal the Guardian @Nato the Traveler @Sparticus147

[Void Emissary]

IC: Irna | Metru-Koro

Dream, my girl, of wild roses

Dream of wind-swept seas and coasts-es

Dream of moonlight-glinting snow

Dream of sailors, wracked with woe.

Dream of riders, fast and strong

Dream of hunters, bow-strings long.

Dream of Kane-Ra herds in Winter,

Dream of a girl and you will win 'er.

Dream of many, dream of all,

But do not, my girl,

Dream up your fall.

***

When Irna awoke, she was still tired.

She and Keitara and Skorm had spent the night in her home, a building nowhere near large enough for three people to rest comfortably -- although that hadn't mattered much for her. Irna had slept a child's sleep -- deep and dreamy, but of her dreams she could remember nothing, save for the sight of water lapping on a distant shoreline ... and the copper taste of blood. But she did not feel rested. Her muscles ached less now, less than they had since Metru-Nui had fallen, but it had still been agony to climb to her feet and get out the door. The sight that greeted her was not restful, either.

Metru-Koro no longer burned, thank Karzahni. But it lay across the landscape like the jutting ribs of a carrion-picked carcass. It seemed impossible that all of that destruction had been the other day. Just as impossible was the quiet, now.

It was then that she remembered the ship that had flown towards the village just a few hours before. It must have landed by then, she knew and, indeed -- upon a cursory inspection of the skyline, she could see the smooth silver hull peeking out above the larger buildings in the settlement. Slowly, rubbing the sleep and smoke from her eyes, the Zyglak crept her way towards it. She knew that it could be dangerous -- more Leaguers come for a second wave -- but something in her heart didn't allow her to take precautions. She had been struggling for so long. Irna just wanted to rest.

But it was not dangerous, at least not superficially. A small collection of figures had gathered around the base of the airship: Ostrox and Nale, a man in auburn armour, a woman who seemed vaguely familiar from her time in the League, and a woman whom Irna felt she had seen in the battle of Metru-Koro. She approached the group cautiously.

"...with Metru Nui under new management, I think returning with the news you bombed a village won't be met with as much enthusiasm at it was before you left. We can bring you back, under our escort, but we'll have to see what the new guy has to say about you," she heard Nale tell the presumed-Leaguer, before casting a look over to the man in red and adding, "What do you think?"

Irna remained silent, sidling up next to the woman in white robes and bronze armour. But a single question burned in her mind:

What has happened to Pridak?

OOC: @Eyru @Nato the Traveler @Toru Nui @Tarn @Onaku

-Void

[pokemonlover360]

IC Kilo-M9 - Po-koro:

Village relocation process is in progress.

Gathering of consruction materials, 50% complete. Supplies, 62% complete. Personnel, 74% gathered.

Now searching for Ally Arkius...

Around the machine, villagers ran to and fro, collecting any bits of loose material that could prove useful in their new settlement. Some focused on bits of remaining framework for buildings and food. Others made efforts to retrieve personal items, pictures on tablets, reminders of their past life experiences. All were no doubt reeling from the news that they were once again being driven from the home from circumstances that they were powerless against. For the robotic enforcer, such movements were familiar. The ever-changing nature of the archives meant that areas once thought secure from the watchful eyes of the authorities or archivists could be rendered unusable with the newest acquisitions to the collection. For an unfeeling construct with no attachments moving elsewhere for survival was a trivial decision. In this case however there was one item in particular that needed to be secured. This task had led the mechanical enforcer to Arkius, who was busy assisting some of the villagers with some heavy lifting. After catching the toa’s eye and waiting for the matoran to move on to the next task the machine spoke.

“Ally Arkius, this unit has come to retrieve the Spear of Fusion. Your assistance will be required. Where is the spear currently located?”

 

OOC: @The UltimoScorp@Onaku@Tarn@Harvali@~Xemnas~@Snelly@Toru Nui

 

 IC Ysocla Naenoic - Tactical Panda, the Rig:

Coming home had always been bittersweet for Ysocla. Despite the satisfaction of returning to familiar sights, it was always accompanied by the feelings of disgust for the inhabitants of the Rig. Every time she returned she had to remind herself that there were good people there, that no matter how depraved the town looked at first glance there were some there who were willing to help others for little in return. For as much as she wished to leave the wretched hive behind it was still her current home.

These feelings all came crashing down upon her as what remained of the Rig came into view. She was taking some time to get some fresh air after the meeting with Zataka had finally ended. From her position leaning at the railing she was one of the first to see what had befallen the village. As the Panda cleared the last hills it was immediately apparent that something was wrong, a fact that was further confirmed as the ship drew closer to its destination. As the realization of what she was looking at set in she looked away in horror, her breathing no longer steady. Grabbing the railing to steady herself, feelings of shock and grief flowed over her. Accompanying them was something else, a much darker sensation: joy. She felt some amount of happiness that the Rig was gone, that the people there had suffered and lost everything, and that this blight of skakdi culture had been wiped away by forces far beyond them. Her grief was soon replaced by guilt at having these thoughts. How could someone like her that wished for a good and honorable society take such glee in the death of so many? She tried to stifle the joy, bury it deep within her, but it was a part of her, something that couldn’t be removed.

It was only until one of the other crewmen called her name that she realized she was still at the railing. Around her the others were preparing to descend. Her duty as ships engineer eventually forced her limbs into autopilot as she stumbled her way down to the main engine. She stared blankly ahead as her hands turned gears and shifted levers to prep the ship for landing. As the Panda finally touched down she weakly croaked out a “Three... two... one... landed!” over the intercom and collapsed into a sitting position. Resting her head on her knee and wrapping her arms around here, she rocked back and forth trying to shake off her feelings.

Rational thought finally started to take over as the ship arrived at their destination. Ysocla had felt these conflicting feelings once before; it was time to deal with them again. Rational thought began to drown out the wordless voice in her head. It was clear that this damage was caused by no ordinary storm. Even below decks she could hear the muttering speculation of the crew above her. It must have been a tahtorak. There was other explanation. If there was in fact a tahtorak marching around the island, there were two possibilities for the village’s destruction: Either whoever summoned the tahtorak had let it run amok, or they had directed it to attack the town. The first option would be caused by ignorance or laziness of their new pet. The second could only be caused by malice. Either way, this unjustified attack could not go unpunished. The self-loathing anger within her had transformed into a righteous fury. She pushed this strength into her legs, forcing them to stand.

When she emerged from below decks her doubts were gone. All that remained was a simple mission. If she found whoever had summoned this tahtorak and had caused this damage, she would kill them personally. If she obtained the means, she’d strike the beast down as well. With this mindset driving her, the sight of Kunok McGrockk filled her with rage. Of all the people to have survived the disaster, the first one they confirmed was the unethical merchant. Her fingers clenched tighter around her cane as she sighed in disgust. It was just her luck.

 

OOC: @Tarn@Vezok's Friend@EmperorWhenua

Edited November 18, 2020 by pokemonlover360

[Eyru]

IC: Oreius | Metru-Koro

A small crowd had gathered. Questions began to bubble up, everyone anxious to know what the future would hold. What happened to Pridak? Who was the new king? Was the war really over? Who was in charge, and who would deal out justice?

Oreius didn't have answers to most of those questions. He was just a soldier. He had fought for so long that he wasn't sure what peace would look like—if it was even possible. But his people needed him. This village was all they had left, and as he looked into the crowd, he saw plenty of other Toa who would surely give their lives to defend it. They were young, but strong. They just needed guidance. Someone to direct their strength. If that had to be him, then so be it.

"Pridak is dead," he repeated, addressing the new onlookers with all the blunt precision of a soldier giving his report. "He was assassinated by one of his lieutenants. That man, Aurax, has assumed leadership of the League and ended the war. 

"I don't know what fate awaits you if you return," he continued, looking at Zaliyah and Ostrox. "But we will escort you back. We'll see what kind of justice Aurax is willing to carry out, and what kind of king he will be."

The Toa of Fire looked around again at the decimated village and the beings who had emerged from it. One Toa wore bronze armour and white robes. Another was clad in gunmetal and black, with icy blue eyes. A weary-looking Zyglak stared down at him warily. Other Matoran stood among them, their eyes full of caution and stubborn hope. 

Oreius took a deep breath. "In the meantime, due to Turaga Sans's untimely death, Metru-Koro needs someone to take charge. Where is Sans's right hand? Or his captain of the guard? I am willing to assume temporary command if necessary, but I would prefer to respect the existing chain of command."

 

OOC: @Nato the Traveler @Toru Nui @Onaku @Tarn @Conway

[Nato G]

On 11/17/2020 at 12:08 PM, Tarn said:

IC: Nale Vella - Metru-Koro

"You two did things you need to answer for. And with Metru Nui under new management, I think returning with the news you bombed a village won't be met with as much enthusiasm at it was before you left. We can bring you back, under our escort, but we'll have to see what the new guy has to say about you."

10 minutes ago, Eyru said:

IC: Oreius | Metru-Koro

"I don't know what fate awaits you if you return," he continued, looking at Zaliyah and Ostrox. "But we will escort you back. We'll see what kind of justice Aurax is willing to carry out, and what kind of king he will be."

IC: Zaliyah – Metru-Koro

“No,” Zaliyah’s voice came out as a gravelly, bestial growl. “The turncoat may sit himself in the throne for now, but that doesn’t mean you own us or that city.” Flickers of crimson danced along the herding blade folded against her forearm, though she kept the weapon lowered for now. “If I’m to die, I’ll do so here and now, on my feet with a blade in my hand. Not as a prisoner, on my knees at the mercy of a traitor.”

She took a deep breath, then let it out, forcing herself to calm down. Her voice softened as she elaborated. “By your own admission, Aurax broke your precious Toa code and murdered Pridak. There’s no way the remainder of the League would follow him willingly if they knew he’d betrayed us, which means he must have lied about what happened, if he offered any explanation at all.”

Her clawed hand reached out to gesture to herself and Ostrox. “If he’s killed to take power, he’ll kill again to keep it, and since you’ve now told us the truth, and we were loyal to Pridak, killing us both is the only way Aurax would be able to retain his newfound position. If you deliver us to him, we’re dead... and if you let us go, you do so knowing that I intend to bring his rule to a swift end.”

She didn’t expect sympathy or concern from any of the Toa. She didn’t want or deserve it after what she’d done to their village.

But she hoped they understood.

@Tarn @Eyru @Toru Nui

Edited November 18, 2020 by Nato the Traveler

[Sparticus147]

IC: Metru-Koro Guard (Metru-Koro)

It was a terrible night, one that only furthered the slowly increasing sense of hopelessness amongst the guard. When the League came, they hoped they could do something to stop it, but outgunned and outmatched, they fled from their posts. When great balls of fires came crashing down, the guard attempted to stem the tide of destruction, but they hid in the New Archives. And when the eyeless monsters came from below to conduct their raid, the Matoran tried to fight back, but they died running.

Sans, Juno, Vulimai as far as they knew. Any source of leadership or guidance was dead, with the only ones being the Toa, who seemed to be just as weary as they were. On top of that, even as the chaos finally settled, nerves were still on high, as two League soldiers appeared to be free to do as they liked, with the Toa seemingly not taking any actions against those who had laid waste to their homes.

Morale was dropping, spirits were low, and faith was breaking. The Matoran Guard were in need of some form of goodness in the world, and they got it from the fiery champion from above, Oreius.

"Pridak is dead. He was assassinated by one of his lieutenants. That man, Aurax, has assumed leadership of the League and ended the war. 

If the any of the guard had the strength, a cheer might've been heard amongst them. But in their mental states, exhausted and wary, they simply allowed the idea of hope to stay within their minds, not paying attention to the important details, such as who this Aurax figure was, why he had killed Pridak, and if that truly did mean the war was over. But the guard were curious of the Toa's next actions, as he began to address the two League members.

"I don't know what fate awaits you if you return. But we will escort you back. We'll see what kind of justice Aurax is willing to carry out, and what kind of king he will be."

The guards amongst the crowd of Matoran simply stared, curious who this Orieus thought would be willing and/or able to escort those who brought such suffering. They were also curious, how many would leave Metru-Koro on this escort mission, to bring justice for the fallen, and to leave Metru-Koro with fewer people to rebuild.

"In the meantime, due to Turaga Sans's untimely death, Metru-Koro needs someone to take charge. Where is Sans's right hand? Or his captain of the guard? I am willing to assume temporary command if necessary, but I would prefer to respect the existing chain of command."

At that, audible mutterings could be heard amongst the crowd of Guard Matoran, for they did not know where their Guard Captain had went, whether she died in the bombardment and was left as ash, or was taken by the pale Skakdi-like freaks, or simply left them, and wandered off into the desert wastes.

~~~

Using several Kanoka disks and burning through the remaining fuel in a shoulder-mounted Hagah Plasma Cannon, those Matoran within the armory of the western garrison, lucky that the blast that destroyed the garrison up above hadn't dug deep enough to cause a total collapse in the armory, finally broke through the debris that had left them trapped. Bronk, the sturdy Onu-Matoran Guard and stick-up-the-exhaust quartermaster, lead the way out, having to squint has the morning sun hit his all-to-accustomed nightvision eyes.

But after the momentary bout of light-induced blindness, and not yet hearing anymore explosions, presumed the coast was clear and assisted his fellow Guard Matoran out of what remained as the entrance to the now-former garrison. Looking around, Bronk couldn't help but allow his tough façade wear away as he saw the destruction that devastated his new home. Although he often said that the only difference between Metru-Koro and Metru-Nui was who was in charge, he still couldn't help but feel sorrow at the desolation that surrounded him.

Making his way through the streets, now trying to take stock of the damage and see what it was going to take to repair it, he stopped keeping track when it got to too much. Then his attention was taken by a crowd that was seemingly forming around a Ta-Toa that he didn't recognized. And as he approached, he got there just in time to here the Ta-Toa say, "...I am willing to assume temporary command if necessary, but I would prefer to respect the existing chain of command."

Ignoring the indecisive murmuring around himself, Bronk made his way to the front of the crowd and was about to speak when a vaguely feminine figure spoke out in quite the ornery tone, causing the assembled Matoran Guard and Matoran citizen alike to take a couple steps back out of fright...Except Bronk, who simply listened till the individual was done speaking, letting out a little cough to hopefully get the gathered participants attention.

"Apologies, is this a bad time to be asking what's going on and why?" Bronk said, in the driest manner possible.

OOC: @Eyru @Nato the Traveler @Tarn @Toru Nui @Onaku @Conway

[Tarn]

IC: Nale Vella - Metru-Koro

She glanced between Zaliyah and Oreius, giving the latter an unsure look before turning her optics back on the Hordika. "I can't speak for him, but I'm not trying to get you executed. Just trying to ensure you don't walk out of this scot-free." Nale sighed. This could have been far more simple. "If you think taking you back to Metru Nui is a death sentence, then where does that leave us? I don't intend on letting you carry out any plans against Aurax--you'd just be causing even more strife."

The crowds were making this more difficult. Their discussion had become a spectacle amongst the anxious villagers, and it seemed they were pushing further into a situation her and Oreius would have to defuse if Zaliyah became any more agitated, especially now that she'd openly admitted her intention to possibly assassinate the new League leader if allowed to leave on her own terms.

"So what do we do?"

@Eyru@Nato the Traveler@Toru Nui@Onaku@Conway@Sparticus147

Edited November 18, 2020 by Tarn

[~Xemnas~]

OOC: Timeskip with Atamai will come once everyone's finished their business in Po-Koro

IC, Whira:

"I... do not believe that there are any special requirements that we would need for the Mask of Shadows. If we need to melt materials, we could always use the fires of the volcano. As for the shape... while you previously mentioned that shape ultimately does not matter in a mask, I do recall, from the legends of this mask, that it did have a particular shape. I could draw it for you, if you have some kind of parchment."

OOC: @Kal the Guardian

IC, Aurax: Coliseum

That laugh... that voice... Aurax groaned in frustration.

Quiet, old man, he thought, hoping Stannis would hear him.

After the secretary lead him to his new room, he flopped on the bed. He was exhausted.

"Alright Saybo, I need to get some sleep. Go get some sleep too," he said. 

***

Aurax woke the following morning bright and early. There was so much he wanted to do.

He grabbed his tablet and sent a message to the Nuparu vahki:

"Today we begin our repairs on the city. Prioritize the metru with the least damaged infrastructure. I also want you to begin a new project. I want some vahki to set up tubes and a pump at the protodermis lake. Connect the tubes to the sewers and water lines. Make sure the pump can be wirelessly activated by either myself, Saybo, or the vahki. We are calling it "Order 66". Do not turn on the pump unless ordered to do so."

He thought for a moment. He sent an additional message to the vahki:

"By the way, can you show me to my new workshop? And bring up some breakfast too, please."

OOC: @Kal the Guardian @Eyru

[Kal the Guardian]

IC: Saybo - Toa of Water - Aurax

Location - The Coliseum (4, 9)

With - (Great Being) Aurax

 

Saybo dutifully obeyed his Great Being’s command, finding a nearby room to slumber in. There was a sturdy and comfortable looking bed. Saybo ignored it for a plush chair, pulling it into an advantageous position should anyone try to assault him. He placed his pistol on his lap, Eraser Staff leaning against the arm rest. Finally, he took off his mask. Hopefully he could keep it off for a long while.

Though his mind was still alert and his chest still felt slightly in pain, he cleared his thoughts and closed his optics. Within a few minutes, he was asleep.

An appropriate amount of time later, Saybo slowly came to, making sure to listen for any unseen intruders before opening his optics.

It appeared he had safely slept through the night. Finally, something that had gone according to plan. His body was completely healed as well. That meant Aurax’s should be too.

Saybo gathered his things. He had filled his water bottle the day before and now he drank from it. His stomach wished for food, potentially because it had technically been hundreds of years since he had eaten because of the stasis pod. Or maybe because he had expended a lot of energy yesterday and needed to replenish it. Either way, his body’s needs were secondary to Aurax.

Saybo exited his room to stand guard outside of his Great Being’s room.
 

OOC: @~Xemnas~

 

IC: Cravious - Skakdi of Lightning - Zakazian

Location - Mountains (7, 7)

With - Whira

 

The garage door groaned closed and it could be heard sealing itself, the air pressurizing. The Cube lurched underfoot slightly as they started to move. The Nui-Jaga hissed slightly, then went back to eating.

Cravious set aside his schematics, rummaging through his duffel bag. Various metal parts and pieces jostled in what sounded like a completely unorganized space. This went on for a couple loud seconds. The Skakdi of Lightning somehow drew a couple of unwrinkled pieces of paper from the bag, along with a pencil. He handed the things to Whira.

“No need to rush getting me the design. I estimate this should take several months to figure all this Kanoka and Kanohi stuff.” Cravious waited for a reaction, but he couldn’t read Whira’s deep purple eyes. He continued, “But I’ll get things done in about a week. We’ll go from there.”

He paused to see if she had anything else to say before he got to work.
 

OOC: @~Xemnas~

[Eyru]

IC: Reliable Narrator | The Coliseum

Aurax's tablet dinged as a reply came in: Yes, Barraki Aurax. According to our diagnostics, Ga-Metru is the least damaged section of the city. We will begin repairs immediately.

Another ding: Construction on the pump will begin as soon as possible. It may take some time to construct a system capable of withstanding the corrosive effects of the corrupted protodermis. We will keep you updated.

A third: We have sent a unit to fulfill your request.

A handful of minutes passed. Outside the room, Saybo saw a Vahki trundling down the hall towards him, pushing a cart. Atop the cart sat two trays, each bearing a fresh croissant, a ramekin of bula berry jam, and a mug of gently steaming coffee. The Vahki, a red-and-green unit with a silver Ruru strung around its neck, paused in front of the door and addressed Saybo. "One of these breakfasts is for you, Barraki Saybo," it beeped. "The other is for Barraki Aurax. We request entry."

 

OOC: @Kal the Guardian @~Xemnas~

 

IC: Oreius | Metru-Koro

The Toa of Fire was getting sick of explaining the situation over and over again, but he supposed that was what he deserved for holding this meeting in the middle of the village instead of in private. People were getting antsy, and he could hear people whispering at Zaliyah's outburst. This wasn't the place for all this. Things could get out of control all too easily.

"We move inside," Oreius said in response to Nale's question. "Out of this crowd. Somewhere we can sit down and work this out."

He looked at Bronk, whose bearing and uniform suggested he was some kind of military man. "I'll explain in a moment. Is there anywhere private we can take these two—" he indicated Zaliyah and Ostrox. "—before they get mobbed?"

Not that he would mind seeing them dead. But if it happened like this, people were going to get hurt.

 

OOC: @Nato the Traveler @Toru Nui @Onaku @Conway @Sparticus147

 

IC: Taja | Fau Swamp

Taja accepted Whisper's statement as encouragement, and continued practicing as they walked. There was still a long way to go.

[Nato G]

3 minutes ago, Eyru said:

IC: Taja | Fau Swamp

Taja accepted Whisper's statement as encouragement, and continued practicing as they walked. There was still a long way to go.

IC: Whisper - Fau Swamp

Casual conversation was still a mystifying experience for Whisper.  Knowing what to say, and when, and how, was a painfully complex and challenging process. 

But there were some subjects that needed to be discussed.

"About before," she spoke up, after a few minutes of silence, "When I spoke in your mind. It's an ability I gained when I gave you your power, one I had no need to use until now. I realise it would have been... intrusive, but I it's just for communication. I can speak to you, and hear your response if you chose to reply, but nothing more. Your mind is still your own." 

@Eyru

8 hours ago, Tarn said:

IC: Nale Vella - Metru-Koro

"If you think taking you back to Metru Nui is a death sentence, then where does that leave us? I don't intend on letting you carry out any plans against Aurax--you'd just be causing even more strife."

IC: Zaliyah – Metru Koro

“I'm a soldier. The last time I entered that city with the intent of dethroning an unworthy ruler, I did so knowing the prospect of death lay before me. This is no different." Zaliyah glowered at the other Toa, "I don't expected you to understand, but you should know that I devoted decades of my life towards the singular goal of taking that city, to make it a place for all people instead of a chosen few. I intend to return to it, in my own time, on my own terms."

She sighed, wistful and weary. 

“For what it’s worth, I don’t want to cause more strife, as you put it. I believed in peace. I pleaded for it, with your leader and my own. They both refused. Now that they’re gone, maybe peace is possible… just not for me,” she said. “Not yet.”

She looked over at the distant shape of Metru Nui in the distance. So many beings had fought and bled to take the city. She refused to leave it in the hands of a man with such a proven propensity for betrayal, first by siding with the League against the Toa, then by killing the leader of the League for personal power. For all of his faults, Pridak deserved justice. And the people of the League deserved the truth. And given that Oreius had just announced that truth to the entire village, that truth would find its way to the loyalists of the League one way or another. As far as Zaliyah was concerned, that truth would be better served coming from her, someone the League knew and trusted, early in Aurax's rule, than through a slip of the tongue days or weeks down the track, when the resulting backlash could be far more destructive for both settlements. 

“The choice before you is a simple one,” she turned back to the group of Toa. “You have your ceasefire, but when the time comes to negotiate a lasting peace, who would you rather work with? Loyal soldiers who stood true to their cause and their comrades, who followed their orders to the end… or a conniving coward who killed his own commander?”

@Tarn

[Onaku]

IC: Arkius - Po-Koro

Arkius turned to face Kilo, considering his words. "The spear? Right... The spear... Yes, of course, we can't leave that behind. Come on, I'll retrieve it." He grimaced as he realised wher he'd have to go, before turning to lead the prototype protector to the twice now decimated ruins of his and Nale's old house, now not only with the rubble he'd carried outside washed away, but with extensive water damage to the entire interior. Everything was wrecked. Sighing, Arkius brought his hands down to the ground and began focusing, delving his senses deep down until they touched upon a familiar object. Grunting, he began pulling his hands up, and after some slight rumbling of the patch of earth in front of him, the ground bulged up before opening, depositing a long metallic box to the surface where it sat covered in dirt. Arkius reached over, opening up the box, before pulling out the familiar spear. "Alright, we're going to have to keep this thing safe. You have records of what it can do?"

 

IC: Ardoku - Po-Koro

I looked at the unfamiliar being who'd just addressed me, asking me about a Metru-Koro, a city. The name felt familiar yet, distinctly, it felt like it wasn't entirely right. "I'm... sorry, I awoke yesterday with no memories, I don't know what this Metru-Koro is, even though it sounds... familiar, oddly enough."

 

IC: Iradra - Metru-Koro

Iradra remained silent, listening to the words being spoken and mulling them over. What Zaliyah said rang true to her; a turncoat like this Aurax couldn't be trusted with rule of the League forces in the long run, even if he claimed to be on Metru-Koro's side.

 

IC: Okuo - Metru-Koro

Okuo groaned, sighed, then nodded. "Right... of course, yes, more trouble. I'll help if I can. Lead the way." Even having said that, he started walking in the direction she'd pointed whether she'd started walking herself or not. Someone was in trouble. He had a responsibility to uphold now. He was a Toa. He could rest later.

 

@pokemonlover360@The UltimoScorp@Tarn@Harvali@~Xemnas~@Snelly@Nato the Traveler@Toru Nui@Conway@Sparticus147@Eyru@Vezok's Friend

[Unreliable Narrator]

IC: Grime | Fort Nektann

"The kitchens?" Grime thought about it. The kitchens were mostly campfires around the fort, but Grime knew a larger and more permanent kitchen existed somewhere deeper inside. In the past, skakdi mentioned the kitchens before exiting the ground floor entrance and then turning right. Grime imagined the kitchens couldn’t be hard to find. He could always follow his nose, after all. 

“I can show you to the kitchens,” Grime said decidedly and climbed out on his hands and knees from under the war rig. Standing up fully, the greasy little matoran barely reached Gore’s knees in height. Covered in sand and soot from the drive, Grime looked less like a matoran and more like a tiny walking sand dune. He plodded across the garage floor leaving sand in his wake and made his way towards the ground floor entrance to the rest of Fort Nektann. With luck, he’d find the kitchens and maybe make another ally in this terrible place. Maybe another willing victim for Her.

OOC: feel free to have Gore find the kitchens at either Grime’s lead, or Gore’s own culinary senses. Describe it as you wish.

 

IC: Reliable Narrator | Ruins of Water

As the dials were set by Ollem’s hand, the waterfall reversed direction. Flowing upwards, the water emptied from the pool around the far wall, revealing a single flight of stairs descending deeper. The constellations themselves glittered brightly from three pillars descending from the ceiling of the hallway. Mahrika and Ollem made out a doorway on the far side.

The next room was a large hexagonal chamber. Grey stone walls, smooth and without the slick slime of the room before, rose up to a domed ceiling far above the two matoran. In the center of the room was a strange mechanical device resting on a small hexagonal dias. The device had a place to insert a kanoka disk. A well worn copper plaque on the dias contained the following inscription: 2-7-9.

Gold glittered from the floor. Noble masks of strength, levitation, night vision, and concealment all rested among the treasure hoard. Several bent kanoka disks of power level 3 or lower also lay strewn throughout. On the far wall was an inscription, a single word carved in matoran letters: NUVA.

From the ceiling they both heard the rustling of chains. Looking up they caught sight of a toa of fire, his armor battered and his body wrapped in metal binds. He hung suspended from all the walls near the ceiling. A big smile covered his maskless face.

“You’re the best friend an imprisoned toa could ever have,” he said with a charismatic kindness. “Now, my friends, care to undo my bonds and free me? I’ve got a lot of work to do.”

OOC: @Burnmad, @Harvali

Edited November 18, 2020 by Unreliable Narrator

[Sparticus147]

IC: Metru-Koro Guard/Bronk (Metru-Koro)

As the conversation continued amongst the various beings, the crowded citizens and guards alike grew progressively more anxious and worried, with such feelings being made audible by the progressively growing mutterings of the Matoran, with some of the guards looking towards Bronk for some sort of anchor.

Bronk wasn't anyone of significant note amongst the guard. Not really. Bronk was just a quartermaster, he fixed their weapons, checked their gear, and kept stock of what was in the armory. But to those who knew the Onu-Matoran knew he was a hard case, and although short spoken most of the time, when it matters, he spoke his mind and laid things straight when needed. It also helped that he apparently had close ties to their Guard Captain, Vulimai.

~~~

Taking stock of the situation in front of him, it was clear that something was the matter, centered around this semi-golden figure and some other individual who seemed to now be the leader of the League. But that wasn't the only thing that registered in Bronk's mind, for it only took having an audio receptor and a brain to realize that Sans was also dead along with Pridak. That didn't particularly disturbed Bronk, for he never liked Sans, something about the Turaga always rubbed him the wrong way, but it was still a shame that he died, regardless of his personal feelings.

Looking up towards Oreius, Bronk spoke, "Well, as far as I know, unless you want to just have all of us huddle up in one of these huts and hope we're not intruding on anyone's livelihood, the only two places large enough that I can think of is either the armory in the remains of the garrison, or the New Archives assuming that it is still in one piece.

OOC: @Eyru @Tarn @Nato the Traveler @Toru Nui @Conway @Onaku

IC: Gore Fury (Fort Nektann)

"The kitchens? I can show you to the kitchens.”

"Thanks little buddy. Lead the way." Following the Matoran, Gore and Grime entered the inner portions of the fort, passing through hallways and passages in varying degrees of damage and decoration, Gore stopped at an intersection, with Grime nearly tripping as they stumbled at the sudden stop. As Gore tilted his head up, he looked down one of the hallways in the intersections as his nostrils flared with quick, heavy sniffs, till dedicating to his path with Grime stumbling behind.

With each step, Gore grew more and more certain of his path till at last, barging into a side chamber, Gore was greeted by what he was seeking...The kitchen. The place was, admittedly, not the cleanest affair. Dishes were strewn around the semi-rusted sink, scraps of food still on some of the plates. Many of the pantries and drawers were either broken or stained, alongside the countertops. A bin was in one corner, having not been taken out in a few days as flies swarmed the small bound of refuse.

But Gore's nostrils didn't stop there, as he followed it to a side pantry door, and upon opening it, was greeted by the sight of a nearly full larder, with hardy vegetables and preserved meats lining the shelves alongside a variety of spices, herbs, and additives. It was all that Gore could ask for, and although it wasn't that he hated it, he was glad that it wasn't just all fish again.

Stepping back out of the larder, Gore took one long deep breath before looking down towards Grime who was still there. This place was going to need cleaning up before he got to work, and he couldn't quite do it by himself. "Hey little buddy, mind helping me clean this place up a bit? I promise to make it worth your while."

OOC: @Unreliable Narrator

[Harvali]

IC Kanohi and Bode and “Collector” - Po-Koro

Collector shook their head, “Then this world is all you know? Metro-Koro was a refugee camp, for the survivors of the war that leveled Metru-Nui: the last bastion of the Matoran. This place was a smaller camp. But after being abandoned by couriers, devastated by a flood, and raided by the natives, folks here plan to leave this place.”

They winced as a Bo-Matoran applied a paste to their frostbite, “Easy, Collector. And what the Karzahni were you thinking trying to punch your way through ice?”

“I … I do not know if I like the name collector anymore,” they muttered, “Never intended to it to be my name, was trying to name myself ‘Ko-‘ something, for my Kanoka Blade’s freezing. Just … was not creative enough to finish the thought, it was filled in for me.”

They sighed, laying back down, “Do you know your name, Toa? If you forgot it, maybe we could workshop names together?”

Bode meanwhile listened, his De-Matoran abilities letting him listen in on the crowd gathering to be teleported away There were a number of Matoran who had not died yet, but they would not last long, and some who might live were brain dead.

He swallowed he, he had a choice to make. He … could he be trusted with this choice? He, he couldn’t imagine himself as worthy of this choice. He … he should leave it to Ulkarr. So shakily and quietly he focused and telepathically reached Ulkarr. “Master, there … there are a number of d-dead Matoran here, as well as a few who will soon be d-dying. Most survived but, there are dead here.”

OOC: @~Xemnas~ @The UltimoScorp @pokemonlover360 @Toru Nui @Onaku @Snelly @Tarn

…

IC Mahrika - “The Mask of Water(fall) Breathing

Mahrika startled as she caught sight of the Toa of Fire. “A … a Toa? Are, are you a native here?” She managed stumbling backwards as she looked up and down his body, “I … I thought no Toa of Tren-Nui were left, at least after the Skakdi came. Are, were you the administrator talking to us? I … I can see why you were impatient.”

The Ga-Matoran drew her Kanoka of freezing and began to focus her telescopic lens, trying to search for any weak-points in the chains that bound the Toa. As she did though she paused, her lens zeroing back in one the three numbers. 

“Ollem,” she said quietly, “those three numbers, that’s for a disk, right?”

OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Burnmad @Eyru

Edited November 18, 2020 by Harvali

[Kal the Guardian]

IC: Saybo - Toa of Water - Aurax

Location - The Coliseum (4, 9)

With - (Great Being) Aurax

 

Saybo flashed a grin to the Vahki unit, “Thank you very much.” He grabbed one of the trays, noting the silver Ruru around the Vahki’s neck. That was certainly something new since he had gotten out of stasis. He wondered why it was even a thing. “And might I say, you are a well appreciated and valued member of the Barraki. Now, let me get the door for you.”

Saybo didn’t trust these new Vahki. Something about them kept sending up warnings in his mind. Maybe it was the elemental nullification that had happened to him yesterday, maybe not. He still wasn’t sure how that had happened.

He knocked on Aurax’s door before opening it to allow the Vahki passage.
 

OOC: @~Xemnas~ @Eyru

 

IC: Sorilax - Aspect of Light and Silence - Aspects of Makuta

Location - Kini-Nui (7, 10)

With - Sala, Nuju

 

While Sala broke the silence, Sorilax continued to ponder Nuju’s words. He had often pondered the meaning of things in relation to morality, but far less did he ponder the universe itself. All questions about the universe were usually only brought about because of his Taboo research.

Sorilax pulled out a smaller scroll. It contained his thoughts on morality along with some observations on the observable forces of the universe. He created a Light board hovering in front of him, this time leaving it his default color Light, which was a golden yellow. No need to have another of his creations leave his control.

The Aspect wrote down what Nuju had said, still trying to think things through and formulate his own questions for after Nuju had answered Sala’s.
 

OOC: @Sparticus147 @Unreliable Narrator

[pokemonlover360]

IC Kilo-M9 - Po-koro:

Gears whirred within the machine’s head in response to Arkius’ question. Eventually a crisp, friendly voice was emitted from the enforcer’s speakers.

“Legends tell of the Spear of Fusion’s ability to fuse creatures together, combining their minds and powers into one entity. Such fusions are also able to be reversed, returning the two beings back into their original separate selves. One tale in particular mentions a skakdi known for their cleverness and cunning. Through a freak accident he was split into two beings. The first contained the anger and strength of the skakdi, while the other obtained the intelligence but lacked the sanity. The second being was ostracized from every group he encountered due to his unlikable qualities. This tale suggests that the Spear is capable of defusing not only already-fused beings but also normal creatures as well.”

The machine returned to its usual variety of voices before continuing. “Records of the Spear mention use cases involving living beings only. This unit intends to confirm whether the Spear can be used on inanimate objects through experimentation. This unit can keep the Spear safe until such experiments are complete.”

OOC: @The UltimoScorp@Onaku@Tarn@Harvali@~Xemnas~@Snelly@Toru Nui

Once Onaku posts whether Arkius gives the spear to Kilo we should be good for the timeskip.

[Toru Nui]

IC: Ulkarr (Metru-Koro, Telepathic Link)

The casualty rate is most unfortunate. I would have been there, if not for the vendetta between Metru-Koro and the League. It is my understanding that the latter made an offer of peace that was refused.

If you were hoping for some good to come of their deaths, I’m afraid I must disappoint you. Hearts must be fresh for the ritual to work, and I am far away. The operators of the airship known as the Taku have refused to take me to Po-Koro, let alone provide aid. It is likely they will expire before I can reach you on foot, and if what you have told me is accurate, you will have left Po-Koro before I arrive.

As for Kanohi’s vision… if only my people were so proactive. No, they concern themselves with only their individual petty aims rather than the common good. What might have been the ultimate power in the universe, reducing itself to become glorified arms dealers for the Skakdi.

@Harvali

 

IC: Ostrox and Navu (Metru-Koro)

Navu was summoned by all the commotion over by Oreius’s ship. It seemed like someone had come from Metru Nui, but not a member of the League. A Toa. No Toa wouldn’t join a despotic empire bent on enslaving their own kind, would they?

It wouldn’t be the first time they had disappointed her.

Ostrox perked up, as he heard something of interest - a target of mockery.

"'New Archives'? So soon? I expected it to be a few months before the Rahi started being locked up and experimented on, deep underground."

@Eyru@Sparticus147@Onaku@Nato the Traveler@Tarn

 

IC: NU-8020S, Reckless, Lawful, Obedient, Impressionable, Buggy and Wayward (Po-Koro)

"Scanning database for names beginning with Ko." Impressionable began listing some, in an attempt to be helpful. "Koa. Koab. Koaba. Koad. Koaff. Koag. Koagg, with two gs. Koaghron, Koah. Koai…"

"Wait. We were programmed with - of all things - baby name suggestions, but we were not programmed to self-destruct if captured?"

"You mean, we are not?"

"I believe he is just making them up, combining random syllables together."

@Harvali@Onaku@pokemonlover360@Snelly@Tarn@The UltimoScorp@~Xemnas~

 

IC: Enra (Dead Forest)

"Right… what was it like there, before you wound up in this flaming rubbish bin? Couldn’t have been much worse than this…" There’s a bit of envy evident in Enra’s tone, but it’s mostly a genuine question.

@Nato the Traveler

 

IC: Klawne (Metru-Koro, Iradra’s Hut)

After so many years living in a cave, an actual house was an excellent change of pace for Klawne.

Long ago, she considered braving the wilderness to track down the Aqua Sphere. If it really could reverse the ravages of time, then perhaps it could make her younger, fitter, stronger. Perhaps, even revert her back into a Toa.

But that was just a perhaps. She kept it in reserve as a last resort, but she was rather unsure about it. What if the Sphere’s waters also reverted your memories? Or change you fundamentally, in some other way? Was it really worth risking all that made her her, just for revenge? It wasn’t as if there were any innocents left to fight for, not until these people came falling out of the sky. Now that they were around, she didn’t even need to. This was all assuming she would survive the trek, of course. Or even reach the Sphere, considering it had a habit of moving from one place to another.

Still, avenging the fallen was something Klawne had been dreaming of for a long time, and it seemed the new guys would deliver, if they could stop threatening and bombing each other for five minutes. She hoped that her sisters and brothers were at peace, wherever they were...

[Tarn]

IC: Nale Vella - Metru-Koro

She decided to let Oreius and the acting captain of the Metru-Koro Guard to discuss relocation for a moment. Zaliyah was, unfortunately, right. Nale had no knowledge of the attempt on Pridak before it happened (of course, it had to be an event of much secrecy), and it seemed the manner in which it had happened was concerning (what was Aurax's true motives? His true plans?). But even then, carrying out another coup just...wasn't the answer. At least, not in her mind.

"The village's hospital is abandoned, last I saw," Nale piped up, looking towards Oreius and Bronk. "We can take this there, just make sure no one's keeping their audio receptor to the wall to listen in on us."

She turned back to Zaliyah, and added quietly, "If it's worth anything...even after all you've done, you're starting to convince me."

@Eyru@Nato the Traveler@Toru Nui@Onaku@Conway@Sparticus147

Edited November 18, 2020 by Tarn

[Unreliable Narrator]

IC: Reliable Narrator | Ruins of Water

The toa chuckled at Mahrika's suggestion. "Oh no, no, sorry. I'm not the Administrator of these temples. Call me Kas. So, you helping me down?"

"I wouldn't," interjected the Administrator. "He's where he belongs."

"I am most certainly not," Kas retorted. "You imprisoned me in here, you buggy program. Please, my new friends, let me down so I can reboot this cracked AI."

 "I am not buggy. I am self updating."

 

OoC: @Burnmad, @Harvali, mobile post

[Burnmad]

IC: Providence - Dead Forest

"Well, now, we don't need to be mean to Tall Blue. He's been through a lot." Providence set a hand on Takadox's shoulder in support. "As for my reasoning for wanting to head underground, I would like to learn more about... their culture." He gave a heavily exaggerated wink to the warlord that only a blind person could have failed to notice. Thankfully, the person he was trying to conceal his motives from was, in fact, blind.

OOC: @Vezok's Friend @Nato the Traveler @Sparticus147 @Kal the Guardian

IC: Morangad - Le-Metru Nuva

Morangad began moving as soon as he detected the fading presences of the dying Matoran. He was no Toa, but a commitment he felt nonetheless to aiding the weak, as any decent being had ought to. Picking his way through the thigh-high (albeit receding) waters of the swamp, he carefully navigated towards the panicking presence. He had heard the thoughts of enough dying beings to know that the one which was at peace was already beyond saving.

As he was moving, his mind reached out-- not to the wounded Matoran to which he was trudging, but to one of the presences lingering near the elevator, in the tree-bound village high above. Send the elevator back down immediately, he spoke directly into their head. The tone of his psychic command was calm, but firm. You are about to receive a critically injured Matoran.

It was about this moment that he found the fading soul he was searching for. And it was also at this moment that an unexpected complication became apparent: The Matoran in question was suspended several bio off the ground, on a cluster of Banyan roots. They would be impossible to get to without climbing, and impossible to retrieve from their perch without a great deal of jostling. The Tiokaha could tell from the panicked thoughts of the Matoran that they had sustained a back injury, and he would need to avoid moving them roughly if they were to be saved.

With a curse, he contacted the same mind in the village above as he had spoken to moments before. If anyone in your village has healing powers, make sure they're on the elevator. Either way, also send several able-bodied and dexterous beings who can follow orders and operate well under pressure. This Matoran will need to be kept still as they are moved.

OOC: @Kal the Guardian

IC: Ollem - Ruins of Water

He started as the pair heard the clanging of chains above them, and craned his neck upwards. To his credit, he didn't go invisible this time. He nodded swiftly at Mahrika's speculation, but he was frowning as he did so. "You're right, but this code would correspond to a Great Disk. No one's seen one of those in ages. People debate whether they even really exist." He gestured toward the Toa. "In any case, we can sort that out later."

A Toa? Here? He wondered how long they'd been here. He wondered a lot of things, in fact, but there were only so many he could reasonably ask right now. A good one to start with: "Who are you?" The Toa had given a name - Kas - but that was unfamiliar to him, and said nothing. "How did you wind up here?"

OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Harvali

Edited November 18, 2020 by Burnmad

[Unreliable Narrator]

IC: Kas | Ruins of Water

"Long story. Let me down first, get me a mask, and I'm happy to explain. It all makes sense, trust me." Kas shrugged in his binds.

"He tried to shut me down," the Administrator replied emotionlessly.

Kas scoffed. "I did no such thing. What would I do without my oldest friend?"

"I'm not your friend."

Ooc @Burnmad, @Harvali, mobile again

Edited November 18, 2020 by Unreliable Narrator

[Burnmad]

IC: Ollem - Ruins of Water

The Onu-Matoran squinted as the imprisoned Toa continued to banter back and forth with the disembodied voice of the Administrator. "I'm not doing anything until someone tells me why there's a Toa chained up inside this temple. In detail."

OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Harvali

[Nato G]

1 hour ago, Toru Nui said:

IC: Enra (Dead Forest)

"Right… what was it like there, before you wound up in this flaming rubbish bin? Couldn’t have been much worse than this…" There’s a bit of envy evident in Enra’s tone, but it’s mostly a genuine question.

IC: Xane - Dead Forest

"It wasn't much better. Dozens of squabbling warlords packed onto a war-ravaged island, bodies piling high in endless battles for even the simplest of resources."

@Toru Nui

1 hour ago, Burnmad said:

IC: Providence - Dead Forest

"As for my reasoning for wanting to head underground, I would like to learn more about... their culture." 

IC: Marrow - Dead Forest

"Then you do so at your own risk. Some of my kin are not very welcoming to visitors," he replied. "But if you intend to accompany me, I'll offer what protection I can."

@Burnmad @Sparticus147 @Kal the Guardian @Vezok's Friend

[Kal the Guardian]

IC: Le-Metru Nuva NPCs - Various Species - Refugees

Location - Le-Metru Nuva, on the Northwestern fringes of (7, 13) in the Fau Swamp

With - Morangad

 

The Steltian didn’t bat an optic at the mental command. It could have been from any one of the various species that lived here. He had no idea. All he knew was that someone was in trouble. He moved to lower the elevator when the voice in his head came back with clarification.

The female Voritxx and Zyglak were slowly walking past, looking dazed. The Steltian called to them, explaining the situation. The Zyglak went for the Matoran with the Healing Rhotuka power and returned shortly after.

The Steltian unstopped the winch for the elevator, grateful that this one was designed to only let the elevator fall so fast. It descended down into the dark.

At the bottom, the female Vortixx turned on her Ruru, scanning the swamp floor for whoever it was that needed help and whoever it was that had found them.
 

OOC: @Burnmad

 

IC: Hahvok - Za and Ja Krana of Ice - Independent

Location - Dead Forest

With - Marrow, Providence, Zak-Yak, Takadox

 

Hahvok’s dislike of Tall Blue did not abate despite the attempt to change his mind. Although he did like the mention of going underground. It was far too hot here and Hahvok wished to go any place cooler.

The kind minded one’s optic malfunctioned for a moment, but Hahvok didn’t have any reason to mention the malady.
 

OOC: @Nato the Traveler @Sparticus147 @Vezok's Friend @Burnmad

[Sparticus147]

IC: Apex (Le-Metru Nuva)

At Apex landed upon the ground level of the jungle, she allowed her senses to take hold of her, as her senses were taken and expanded by the shadows that laid strewn across the whole of the swamp. And as her senses expanded, she easily picked up a familiar form...One that she didn't quite expect, yet was glad to sense regardless. Quickly loping and pouncing onto root and over the water, Apex made her way to Morangad and saw the situation at hand.

Up above, kept suspended by the large roots of a Banyan, was a Matoran, a soft, pained, muffled groan came from them. Evidently they were in pain, and they were needed to be retrieved. But Apex didn't understand why, they were unlikely to recover fully, and even if they did recovered, they were never going to be as capable as they were. It would be best for the whole of the pack if they were left, or even moved away, so that they do not attract other Rahi.

Yet, even with Apex's animalistic understanding of things, she still understood that the Matoran were a sentimental race, and that they seldom let their injured to be left behind. But that left Apex with an idea. Though Apex did not speak to Morangad, she still gave him a knowing nod. Climbing halfway up the roots, Apex was eventually able reach the Matoran with her head upon her extended neck. From here, Apex could bruising and minor damage on the Matoran's frame and organic protodermic-muscles. But what Apex also noted, was how their back arced, evidently damaged severely. She would need to be careful to retrieve the Matoran.

Opening her maw, Apex gently picked up the Matoran with her mouth, the Matoran's entire torso fitting within her mouth, with only their limbs and head extending out. Retracting her neck and carefully climbing back down, Apex returned to the forest floor as she turned towards Morangad, waiting to see what else was needed.

OOC: @Burnmad @Kal the Guardian

Edited November 19, 2020 by Sparticus147

[Harvali]

IC Mahrika - “The Mask of Water(fall) Breathing

Mahrika lowered her Kanoka Disk. Ollem was right to be cautious, Toa Kas and the Administrator were … the two Matoran knew nothing about them. She needed to be more careful, she knew how fallible Toa could be, they had failed her people, their greatest duty was to protect Matoran, and they failed. That was mere failure, but what if this Toa was hostile.

She had been so paranoid at the start of this journey, so scared of everything being a Skakdi trap. She thought Ollem had been a mere illusion. But he wasn’t, he was a living Matoran. And together they had solved the riddles of the Suva and these Ruins. And that Skakdi, he had given them water, and not killed them. And he could have easily killed them. And for the first time in millennium, her master … no, her brother answered her. And suddenly Vokarda felt … her grooves felt different. Like she had grown. And in truth, the power Vokarda gave her, it felt different. Stronger maybe.

She … she was beginning to get used to good things happening. That … she should be cautious. Yes things had been going good for now, but … she had not survived the Skakdi for millennia by being optimistic. No, she had kept Vokarda safe by hiding, by being careful. That had saved their lives. She, she should not abandon that instinct so quickly.

Mahrika waddled away, to investigate the bent Kanoka. Did any of these disks still have power inside them? That raised a point, and she asked, “Were these disks damaged by being put into this slot? Because they were not a Great Disk?”

OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Burnmad @Eyru

[Burnmad]

IC: Morangad - Le-Metru Nuva

Morangad opened his eyes, after having given his location psychically to the rescue party that was coming down to recover the Matoran. He was surprised to see the familiar form of Apex in front of him, delicately lowering the injured being from their perch, closer to ground level. Or, well, water level. He nodded once, serving as both greeting and thanks. "Hold them steady," he said. "I've summoned help from the village above." He gingerly reached out and squeezed a hand of the injured Matoran, voice taking on a more tender tone. He detected fear in their mind, fear of the massive Aspect holding them in her maw. "You're going to be alright. The being holding you is here to help."

Backing away from Apex and the wounded Matoran she held steady, he set himself to work, gathering materials from the surrounding area. There was plenty of driftwood and other assorted plant matter floating by him as the water that had surged upward with the storm flowed out of the area. Taking strong limbs and lashing them together, he started work on a makeshift stretcher that they could place the Matoran upon, once the healer had done all they could.

OOC: @Kal the Guardian @Sparticus147

IC: Ollem - Ruins of Water

Ollem calmed himself, releasing a breath that he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Even though they were chained up against the ceiling, it still took a bit of courage to refuse the Toa's order and make demands of him. He turned to Mahrika. "Yeah, that could be." Bending down, he took another look at the code. "Looks like this code refers, specifically to a Great Disk of Regeneration, forged in Ga-Metru. At least, that's what the code refers to on Metru-Nui..." He straightened his back, brow furrowing. "Wait, weren't you unfamiliar with your disk when you found it? Strange that we'd find a code for one, here in this temple..."

OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Harvali